UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
METEOROLOGY 1
Meteorology
MET 140L Intro to Meteorology Lab
1 cr
Laboratory exercises associated with MET 140. Corequisite:
MET 140. Fee.
Co-requisite: MET 140
MET 140 Introduction to Meteorology
3 cr
This course focuses on introducing the student to the
basic concepts of meteorology. Major topics include the
structure of our atmosphere, heat balance, meteorological
measurements, atmospheric stability, atmospheric
motion, and wind circulations on both the global and local
scales.Other areas covered may include an introduction to
air masses, fronts, and precipitation processes. The analysis
of US Government weather charts is also introduced. Core
course. Corequisite MET 140L.
Co-requisite: MET 140L
MET 191 Tropical Weather Discussion
1 cr
Tropical Weather Discussion is an introductory course in
current or recently-active tropical weather systems. This
course mainly reviews the structure, behavior, history
and potential forecasts of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic,
Pacific, and Indian Ocean basins from a meteorological
perspective with special emphasis on activity in the Atlantic
basin. The course is taught during the Fall Semester
because it overlaps with the most active period of the
Atlantic Hurricane Season. Other tropical weather topics
such as El Nino, La Nina, monsoon troughs, tropical
upper-tropospheric troughs, Madden Julian Oscillation,
and hurricane climatology are discussed during weeks of
inactivity when no tropical cyclones may be occurring. This
course may be repeated for credit up to two times for a total
of three hours; however, the course may only count once
toward a meteorology elective.
MET 341 Climatology - W
3 cr
Analysis of global climate as aggregate weather.
Component elements, factors controlling distribution,
resulting area patterns, and climatic classification are
studied (identical to GEO 341). Prerequisite: MET 353
or GEO 353. Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course
prerequisite. Fee.
Pre-requisite: (MET 140 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 101
Minimum Grade of C)
MET 342 Severe Weather
3 cr
A study of the causes, structure and impact of tornadoes,
hurricanes, thunderstorms and severe weather systems
(Identical to GEO 342). Prerequisite: MET 353 or GEO 353.
Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course prerequisites.
Pre-requisite: MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C
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MET 353 General Meteorology
4 cr
An overall view of the field of meteorology for science
majors and minors. This course uses a quantitative
approach to study the composition of the atmosphere,
atmospheric processes, global circulation, and storm
development. Laboratory exercises pay particular attention
to hands-on analysis of meteorological charts (identical to
GEO 353.) Prerequisites: MET 140, MET 140L and MA 112.
Minimum grade of 'C' needed in MA 112. Fee.
Pre-requisite: (MET 140 Minimum Grade of D and MET
140L Minimum Grade of D) and ( (MA 112 Minimum Grade
of C or MA 171 Minimum Grade of C) or (MA 113 Minimum
Grade of C or MA 172 Minimum Grade of C) or (MA 125
Minimum Grade of C or MA 132 Minimum Grade of C) ) or
(MA 125 Minimum Grade of C
MET 354 Dynamic Meteorology I
3 cr
Dynamic meteorology is the study of atmospheric motions
that control our weather and climate. Using fundamental
laws of physics (fluid dynamics and thermodynamics),
a set of mathematical equations that describe how the
atmosphere behaves, is derived. These equations are too
complex to solve analytically, but with certain assumptions
they can be simplified so that approximate solutions can be
found. Even though approximate, these solutions still give
useful information about the current state of the atmosphere
and its evolution into the future. The theories derived in
dynamic meterology underlie all forecasting rules and
techniques. Thorough understanding of these theories is
invaluable to becoming a skilled forecaster. Prerequisites:
MA 126 (or MA 233) and PH 201 (or PH 216). Minimum
grade of 'C' required in prerequisites.
Pre-requisite: (MA 126 Minimum Grade of C or MA 233
Minimum Grade of C) and (PH 201 Minimum Grade of C or
PH 216 Minimum Grade of C)
MET 355 Dynamic Meteorology II
3 cr
The circulation of the atmosphere and the structure of
storms is quantitatively analyzed using equations of
atmospheric flow. The jet stream, atmospheric waves, midlatitude cyclones, and the concept of vorticity are given
considerable attention. Prerequisite: MET 354. Minimum
grade of 'C' needed in course prerequisite.
Pre-requisite: MET 354 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 344
Minimum Grade of C or GEO 354 Minimum Grade of C
MET 356 Physical Meteorology
3 cr
A detailed investigation of adiabatic processes,
thermodynamic diagrams, atmospheric stability, and
precipitation processes. Additional topics include
atmospheric composition and aerosols, radiation and
electricity. Prerequisite: MET 355. Minimum grade of 'C'
needed in course prerequisite.
Pre-requisite: (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C) and (MA 126 Minimum Grade of C or
MA 233 Minimum Grade of C) and (PH 201 Minimum Grade
of C or PH 216 Minimum Grade of C)
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MET 357 Meteorological Instrumentation
METEOROLOGY 2
2 cr
Design, calibration, use and maintenance of existing
and newly developed meteorological instruments and
instrumentation systems. Analysis of data collected by
instruments and instrument systems. Prerequisite: MET
353/GEO 353. Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course
prerequisite.
Pre-requisite: (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C)
MET 402 Weather Forecasting II
2 cr
A course specifically designed for students minoring in
Meteorology. Weather forecasting techniques are discussed
with an emphasis on the use of meteorological models
and severe weather forecasting. Prerequisite: MET 401.
Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course prerequisite.
Pre-requisite: MET 401 Minimum Grade of C
MET 410 MET Phenomenology - W
3 cr
This course is designed to give the student a three-fold
introduction to weather radar and its value in the workplace.
Basic radar principles and assumptions applicable to all
radars are presented; the Doppler function and limitations
are covered in depth with final emphasis on properly utilizing
weather radar in an operations setting. Prerequisites:
MET 354 and PH 202. Minimum grade of 'C' needed in
prerequisites.
Pre-requisite: (MET 354 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 344
Minimum Grade of C or GEO 354 Minimum Grade of C) and
(PH 202 Minimum Grade of C or PH 217 Minimum Grade of
C)
This class is an introduction to reading meteorological
journal and professional writings and to writing some of the
standard scientific forms common in both operational and
research meteorology: summaries, conference abstracts,
and scientific journal articles. The students will engage in
brief examination of some of the fundamental phenomena in
the atmosphere through selected journal articles and write
about these topics in an appropriate manner as inquisitive
meteorologists.
Pre-requisite: (EH 102 Minimum Grade of C or EH 105
Minimum Grade of C) and (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C
or GEO 353 Minimum Grade of C) and ( (MET 354 Minimum
Grade of C or GEO 344 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 354
Minimum Grade of C) or MET 401 Minimum Grade of C)
MET 359 Introduction to TV Weather
MET 420 Computer Apps in Earth Science
MET 358 Radar Meteorology
4 cr
2 cr
This course gives the students the basic skills necessary
for broadcasting weather information on TV. This course
will focus on the basic principles and techniques of effective
TV weather broadcasting. Prerequisite: MET 353/GEO 353.
Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course prerequisite.
Pre-requisite: (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C)
MET 360 Atmospheric Analysis
1 cr
Analysis of meteorological charts. Provides additional
preparation prior to Synoptic. Prerequisites: MET 353
and MET 354. Minimum grade of "C" needed in course
prerequisites. Fee.
Pre-requisite: (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C) and (MET 354 Minimum Grade of C
or GEO 344 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 354 Minimum
Grade of C)
MET 370 Satellite MET
3 cr
This course is an introduction to the weather satellite and its
influence on meteorological observations and forecasting.
Both radiative propagation theory and satellite interpretation
of meteorological features will be covered extensively.
Pre-requisite: (MET 354 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 344
Minimum Grade of C or GEO 654 Minimum Grade of C) and
(PH 202 Minimum Grade of C or PH 217 Minimum Grade of
C)
MET 401 Weather Forecasting I
2 cr
4 cr
An introduction to basic Python programming, with
examples and exercises pertinent to Earth Science and GIS
applications.
Pre-requisite: MA 112 Minimum Grade of D and (GEO 101
Minimum Grade of C or MET 140 Minimum Grade of C)
MET 430 Mesoscale Meteorology
3 cr
Assessment of mesoscale phenomena, including
frontogenesis and frontolysis, low-level jet streams,
nocturnal boundary layer wind maxima, sea and land
breezes, gravity waves, dry lines, lake-effect snow, and
deep moist convection. Emphasis on scale analysis,
subsynoptic-scale dynamics, interactions with larger-scale
processes, and case study examples.
Pre-requisite: (MET 355 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 345
Minimum Grade of C or GEO 355 Minimum Grade of C)
MET 440 Air Pollution Meteorology
2 cr
Air Pollution Meteorology is a survey course in air pollution
topics taught primarily from an atmospheric perspective.
This course covers topics on air pollution history, methods
of measuring air quality, sources of air pollution, basic
atmospheric pollution dispersion concepts, basic principles
of air pollution modeling and prediction, and an overview
of the impacts of polluted air on human health and the
environment.
Pre-requisite: MET 140 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 101
Minimum Grade of C and MA 110 Minimum Grade of C
A course specifically designed for students minoring in
Meteorology. Students are introduced to weather forecasting
concepts and methods. Prerequisite: MET 353/GEO 353.
Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course prerequisite.
Pre-requisite: (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C)
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MET 442 Tropical Meteorology
METEOROLOGY 3
2 cr
MET 456 Applied Climatology - W
3 cr
This course presents an overview of meteorology in the
tropics. The tropical realm is defined and the importance
of solar radiation and distribution of temperature, moisture
and precipitation in driving tropical weather systems is
discussed. The general circulation in the tropics is explored
along with seasonal and non-seasonal variations, including
the Monsoon and El Nino/La Nina. Certain mesoscale and
local circulations common to the tropics are also discussed.
Several weeks will be spent investigating tropical cyclones.
Pre-requisites: MET 353. Minimum grade of "C" needed in
course pre-requisite.
Pre-requisite: MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C
Training in the application of climatology to solve real world
problems. In addition to an examination of present day
climate patterns, their causes, and mechanisms, the course
focuses on the El Nino, recent and past climates, the natural
and human impact on the Earth's energy balance, global
warming, ozone hole and the chaos theory. Prerequisites:
MET 341/GEO 341 and MET 353/GEO 353. Minimum grade
of 'C' needed in course prerequisites:
Pre-requisite: (EH 102 Minimum Grade of C or EH 105
Minimum Grade of C) and (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C
or GEO 353 Minimum Grade of C) and (MET 341 Minimum
Grade of C or GEO 341 Minimum Grade of C)
MET 454 Synoptic Meteorology I
Meteorological topics not covered in current meteorology
courses. May be repeated when content varies for a
maximum of four hours. May require permission of
instructor.
6 cr
Principles of dynamic meteorology are applied to current
surface and upper air analyses of frontal cyclones. An
emphasis is placed on forecasting techniques, daily weather
discussions, continuity, and analysis. Prerequisite: MET
355, MET 356 (may be taken simultaneously with MET 454)
or instructor permission. Minimum grade of 'C' needed in
course prerequisites. Fee.
Pre-requisite: (MET 355 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 345
Minimum Grade of C or GEO 355 Minimum Grade of C)
and (MET 356 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 346 Minimum
Grade of C or GEO 356 Minimum Grade of C) and (MET
356 Minimum Grade of C
MET 455 Synoptic Meteorology II
6 cr
This course continues the development of principles learned
in MET 454. Principles of atmospheric dynamics and
conceptual models will be studied and forecast through the
use of surface and upper air analyses, satellite and radar
data. A multi-week overview of numerical weather prediction
principles and concepts will be accomplished along with the
integration and interpretation of model guidance into realtime forecasting. Students will participate in the generation,
study and interpretation of actual modelling simulations
using basic concepts of numerical weather prediction.
Topics on mid-latitude cyclones and fronts will continue
to be expanded beyond Synoptic I. Ensemble prediction
and atmospheric oscillations will be discussed along with
intrinsic predictability limitations. Pre-requisite: MET 454.
Minimum grade of "C" needed in course Pre-requisite. Fee.
This course serves as a capstone class for meteorology
majors.
Pre-requisite: MET 454 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 444
Minimum Grade of C or GEO 454 Minimum Grade of C
MET 490 Sp Top -
MET 492 Seminar -
1 TO 4 cr
1 TO 4 cr
Departmental seminar investigating a special field of
meteorology. (Topic announced prior to registration.) May
be repeated when content varies for a maximum of eight
hours. Requires permission of instructor.
MET 494 Directed Studies -
1 TO 4 cr
Independent research in field, laboratory, or library under
the direction of a member of the meteorology faculty.
Prerequisite: Requires permission of instructor. May be
taken for a total of eight hours.
MET 495 Mesonet Internship
1 cr
Students will learn various aspects of mesonet (mesoscale
weather station network) operation and maintenance.
Students will take part in routine weather station site visits,
emergency site visits when a sensor malfunctions, and
quality control of incoming data. Once a year every weather
station receives a complete retrofit where all sensors are
replaced with freshly calibrated sensors. If such a retrofit
occurs during the semester of a student?s internship, the
student will be given the opportunity to take part in this
process as well. A large component of this course will
consist of field work. Depending on student schedules
and mesonet behavior, time will also be spent in the lab
performing manual data quality control using the USA
Mesonet website.
Pre-requisite: (MET 353 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 353
Minimum Grade of C)
MET 496 Internship in Meteorology
1 TO 3 cr
On-the-job learning through occupational, professional,
or research work with an approved firm, agency, or
meteorology faculty member. Open only to meteorology
majors. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
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MET 497 Broadcast Meteorology Pract I
METEOROLOGY 4
3 cr
This course focuses on introducing the student to the ever
evolving technology in broadcast meteorology. Emphasis
is placed on the application of meteorological data through
the use of professional television weather graphics systems
in order to develop a "weather story". Particular attention
is given to the use of chroma key mechanics/techniques
for public viewing. Prerequisite: MET 354 and MET 359.
Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course prerequisites.
Pre-requisite: MET 359 Minimum Grade of C
MET 498 Broadcast Meteorology Prac II
3 cr
This course focuses on communicating accurate forecasts
and other important weather information to the public.
Attention is given to fine-tuning the on-air weather
presentation style, as well as developing a professional
resume tape of weather shows in order to gain employment
as a broadcast meteorologist. Special attention is given to
severe weather cut-ins and accurately conveying severe
weather threats to the public. Prerequisites: MET 497
and MET 355. Minimum grade of 'C' needed in course
prerequisites.
Pre-requisite: (MET 355 Minimum Grade of C or GEO 345
Minimum Grade of C or GEO 355 Minimum Grade of C) and
MET 497 Minimum Grade of C
MET 540 Topics in Air Pollution MET
3 cr
Topics in Air Pollution Meteorology is a graduate course
on advanced air pollution topics taught primarily from an
atmospheric perspective. This course provides an overview
of "dry" meteorological processes, such as temperature,
pressure, wind, and general circulation combined with topics
on air pollution history, methods of measuring air quality,
sources of air pollution, atmospheric pollution dispersion
concepts, principles of air pollution modeling and prediction,
and the impacts of polluted air on human health and the
environment.
MET 594 Grad Dir St in Meteorology-
1 TO 4 cr
Graduate level independent study in Meteorology under the
direction of a member of Meteorology's Graduate Faculty.
Student must have an approved topic and must be accepted
by a Graduate Faculty mentor before registering for this
class. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
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